New Christian Pilgrims from Lagos State have been advised to allow exposure to Biblical realities in Jerusalem and Jordan, to enrich their faith and dealings with people of other religious backgrounds.
This formed part of the messages delivered at a Special Thanksgiving Service for 2025 Christian Pilgrims, organized by the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, held at the Chapel of Christ the Light in Alausa, Ikeja.
Secretary of the Board, Dr. Okudero Gbolabo Omoniyi, urged Nigerians to uphold the tenets of their faith, deepen their trust in God, and remain grateful in all circumstances noting that the thanksgiving service was in line with the theme, “We Return with Grateful Praise,” emphasizing the importance of gratitude after a successful pilgrimage.
Dr. Okudero disclosed that the 2025 pilgrimage, comprising batches one and two, recorded remarkable success, with safe return of nearly 400 applicants without any casualties.
He attributed the smooth operation to effective planning, coordination, and divine grace.
In a sermon, Pastor Ayobami Oyeniyi of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, highlighted the need for continuous praise and thanksgiving, stressing that there is always a reason to be grateful regardless of prevailing challenges.
He encouraged the faithful to sustain a lifestyle of worship and appreciation to God.
Pastor Oyeniyi also called on Lagos residents and Nigerians at large to support and pray for the nation’s leaders, noting that such efforts are essential for peace, progress, and good governance.
In his remarks, the Presiding Chaplain of the Chapel of Christ the Light, Reverend Dr. Oladele Ajayi, urged the pilgrims to remain focused and steadfast in their Christian journey, reminding them to uphold the values and lessons gained during the pilgrimage.
Some of the pilgrims who spoke with our Correspondent expressed satisfaction with the level of organization by the Board, describing the pilgrimage as spiritually fulfilling and well-coordinated.
The thanksgiving service brought together clergy, government officials, media executives including Director Lagos Operations of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Princess Adenike Adegoke, as well as the pilgrims in an atmosphere of praise and reflections, marking the successful completion of the 2025 pilgrimage exercise.
Reporting By Frank Olorunsola